Pet Rescue Hotline Announced for NJ Residents Affected by Sandy

The Christie Administration today announced the establishment of a hotline for residents affected by Hurricane Sandy who left their pets behind when evacuating their homes in advance of the storm.

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The phone number to call is 1-855-407-4787 (1-855-407-HSUS).

The New Jersey Department of Agriculture has been working with the state Office of Emergency Management, U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) to help dogs, cats and other pets and owners in need.

There have been reports of residents separated from their animals during the evacuation of their homes as Hurricane Sandy approached. To minimize the risk of these residents trying to return to their homes in dangerous situations to retrieve their pets, a system has been established to make official animal rescue personnel available to assist these residents.

Those who call the hotline will be asked for information to assist animal rescue teams in locating the animals and bringing them safely to a shelter.